Hello everybody Jorphdan here the PH is silent. Let’s talk about gem dragons What are they?
Why aren’t they in the 5th edition Monster Manual? Who is their master, and why is his
name Sardior? Ever since TSR divided up dragons into metallic and chromatic there were people
who wanted more. I mean dragons are cool, you have to have more dragons in a game called
dungeons and dragons. I believe the rule is the more dungeons you put into the game it
must be offset by an equal amount of dragons. Eventually we ran out of dragons and so the
finite number of dungeons was reached. Hence why so many people online play gridless, you
can convince your players they’re in a dungeon when really they’re sitting at their computer.
Chromatic dragons are on the evil alignment, and metallic dragons are on the good alignment.
Gem dragons fit in the middle and are considered neutral. They predominantly are found on the
Inner Planes, which might explain why you don’t see them on Faerun. But like most
things I research there are conflicting articles. Sapphire dragons enjoy living in the Underdark
and Crystal Dragons are often found in high mountains. Gem dragons have crystalline scales
which look like gems, hence the name. They also had some Psionic powers which set them
apart from other dragons. Gem Dragons were often mistaken for Chromatic dragons because
despite their crystalline scales they had distinct color variations. So Emerald dragons
might be confused with Green dragons, and Sapphire dragons could be confused with Blue
Dragons. You’d have to be a dragon expert to know that blue dragons are not found in
the Underdark, typically.
There are a variety of Gem Dragons. Amethyst Dragons are very logical and have lavender
scales. They are known to burrow into the ground and live primarily on the plane of
earth. Considered the most powerful of the gem dragons their breath weapon is a blast
of concussive force! The most famous Amethyst Dragon in the Forgotten Realms was Eldenser,
who created a spell called stealsteel that projected his spirit into a piece of metal.
Using this he would travel the Sword Coast inhabiting swords of adventuring parties.
Although he could speak through the weapon he was mostly silent, a passive observer.
Emerald Dragons are next, a very inquisitive bunch who seek knowledge and understanding
of the universe. They are a bit paranoid and combined with their knowledge they have learned
to set lots of traps to guard their lair. These dragons are very isolated on purpose,
often living far from civilization. Underground or near volcanoes which would keep others
away. Their breath weapon was a cone of sonic energy. Banshee style, the X-man not the D&D
monster. Raulothim is a known Faerunian Emerald Dragon, he lived around Ruathym which is one
of the larger islands north of the Moonshae Isles. More on those in the top right corner
or in the description below. Raulothim was known as the Silent Shadow, he flew close
to observe but never interacted with others. He is a paranoid dragon who believes an invasion
of cosmic proportions is coming to Faerun. See, he once saw a spelljammer ship land near
his lair. He then discovered that there could be countless worlds, and the idea of great
magic users coming to destroy him made him even more paranoid. In preparation he gathered
as much magic as he could, more than he could use. It’s rumored he can command roughly
400 battle related spells and is able to cast about 300 of them. He guards some powerful
magic items.
Sapphire dragons are blue in color, very militaristic and warlike. You can befriend one by talking
about matters of strategy. They live underground, in rocky caves with large spiders; that they
keep as a food source. Some of their horns or tail barbs are not physically connected
to their body, and instead are held in place by psionic energy. Their breath weapon is
again sonic energy. But these dragons also employed teleportation and charm magic. Sapphire
dragons have strong psionic abilities that they use to defeat aberrations and mind flyers.
Often fighting drow and dwarves they prefer the company of rock gnomes and svirfneblin.
There are numerous named Sapphire dragons but one of the bigger ones is Malaeragoth.
He stayed isolated and used lots of scrying mirrors to spy on others, specifically the
Cult of the Dragon. His lair was protected by many skeletons and zombies.
Topaz dragons are yellow, orange, gold looking… They are most commonly confused with copper
dragons. They live in the elemental chaos, which is brutal, but on the prime material
plane they enjoy beaches. Their breath weapon is a cone of dehydration that causes liquids
to dry up and creatures caught in it suffer water loss. A famous topaz dragon was Kisonraathiisar
who founded the settlement of Westgate located next to the Sea of Fallen Stars. He ruled
as king of Westgate for many years until he was “slowly” destroyed by Saldrinar “of
the Seven Spells,” a Netherese Wizard. Now slowly isn’t clear to me, I’m not exactly
sure how this Wizard usurped the dragon, but this occurred way back in -349 and Saldrinar
became the first human king of Westgate. Apparently the Topaz Dragon’s body is in Westgate,
kept secret in a sub basement. As far as the current timeline, it might be gone, it might
still be there. An interesting bit of trivia for your adventuring party.
Crystal dragons are the friendliest of the gem dragons. They live on top of mountains
in the prime material plane. Confused for white dragons they sometimes steal white dragon
wyrmlings to raise them as a force for good. Sounds like it might not work out, but a good
white faerunian dragon would be an interesting NPC. Their breath weapon is a cone of white
light that blinds and damages foes. These dragon names are getting ridiculous. Saryndalaghlothtor?!
Was a crystal dragon who lived near Mirabar. She protected some of the dwarven tribes in
the area and was considered a friend.
The last type of gem dragon are Obsidian Dragons. They are considered the most intelligent and
the most dangerous. Their skin looks like smooth black glass with razor sharp scales
and they breath a cone of fire. Living near volcanos, Obsidian Dragons have notable psionic
abilities. All gem dragons have some psionic powers, but Obsidian Dragons are the strongest
in this area. They are neutral evil, and can be very destructive when they want to be.
These dragons once lived in the Ruby Palace of the deity to all gem dragons Sardior. At
some point though Sardior killed the leader of the Obsidian Dragons for unknown reasons
and expelled them from his court. Now Obsidian Dragons are opposed to all other gem dragons
and avoid them, for the most part.
Sardior is the one and only Ruby Dragon of the Gem Dragons and is in fact a deity, master
of the gem dragons. Metallic dragons have Bahamut, Chromatic dragons have Tiamat, and
Gem dragons have Sardior-amot? No just Sardior, missed opportunity in naming.
Sardior is very long, almost a snake like dragon who flies magically. Often mistaken
for a red dragon although I can’t see how except in color I guess. He has ruby red scales
and lived in a huge floating castle called the Ruby Palace. This floating castle despite
being called the Ruby Palace was golden in color, with large golden spires. This is an
unusual location, it is a divine realm that orbits Toril, the planet Faerun is on. It
stays in the shadow away from the Sun but sometimes you could see it at night, often
mistaken for a small red moon (again yellow spires.. But whatever). Sardior has the power
to move the flying castle through the planes and would often visit the Djinn at the Citadel
of Ice and Steel or the Astral Plane where it would rest for long periods of time. More
information on those locations in the description or top right corner.
He had a court of six dragons, each representing one of the gem dragon types, until he killed
Seradess the obsidian dragon for unknown reasons to us. The court became five and Sardior expelled
the obsidian dragons from his domain.
If your players become lost in Planar travel, Sardior and the Ruby Palace could be a good
tool. As luck would have it you are picked up by this traveling fortress and you must
plead your case to the Gem Dragon Council! Thanks for watching everyone. If you’re
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